Art auction benefits Thompson Free Library

DOVER-FOXCROFT, Maine — On a monthly basis, the Thompson Free Library features displays of art created by local artists, including paintings, ceramics, sculpture and jewelry. In October, Dover-Foxcroft artist Fred Maddocks had bonsai trees exhibited and he offered one of his trees to the library to then be used in a silent fundraising auction.

Heather Slomski submitted the winning bid and was presented with her bonsai tree Nov. 15. The bonsai tree sculptures are made out of copper and glass, and Maddocks said it took him about five hours to make.

With funds raised by the silent auction, “we are going to put up hardware around the walls to display art more easily,” librarian Barbara Lockwood said.

Lockwood said artist Susan Smith was working at the library several years ago when she became interested in having more works of art on display after seeing the reception of the public to the annual spring exhibits featuring pieces created by local students.

Since then, monthly art exhibits have showcased the talent of local residents, as the library has provided the artists a place to exhibit and the public a chance to view the works of art.